Suspect arrested in recent Illinois hit-and-run accident

Driving is a complicated task, though it appears simple enough at first glance. It requires paying attention to other cars on the road, animals, pedestrians and other objects, in addition to the functions of one's own car. Add on top of that distractions like the radio, cell phones, children watching DVDs in the backseat and eating breakfast, and it's no surprise, then, that even the briefest lapse in focus can lead to catastrophic results, sometimes even resulting in a hit-and-run accident, as recently happened in Illinois.

A pedestrian was attempting to cross the street at night when a vehicle struck the man and fled the scene. The suspect driving the vehicle has since been identified and turned himself in. The driver is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, which in Illinois is a Class 2 felony. It is not immediately clear if the investigation is closed at this point.

The pedestrian was taken to a hospital for treatment, which has already included two surgeries, with the potential for more. His injuries were to his lower extremities. With the potential for more surgery in the future, a quick recovery is not likely, meaning that moving forward quickly from the accident is also not likely.

Pedestrians attempting to cross the road generally have the right-of-way, and it is never acceptable for a driver to hit a pedestrian and leave the scene before speaking with authorities. The injured man's injuries are certainly serious enough that he could possibly file an Illinois personal injury claim for this hit-and-run accident. If successful, the claim could compensate the man for the financial and emotional burdens caused by the accident. The claim could cover medical expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering, disability and other losses.

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